IAF vice president Eric Meade presented a paper on the future of microfinance impact assessment at a conference in Glasgow to celebrate the 70th birthday of Prof. Muhammad Yunus, who was in attendance. Click here for the paper.
SELECTED PROJECTS
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
IAF's work on sustainable futures extends into three key areas: environment, pro-poor foresight, and development futures.
PROJECTS
Pro-Poor Scenario Toolkit
In a project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, IAF has developed a scenario toolkit, including a set of forecasts for the year 2030, for use by communities in the global South. Communities can submit their scenarios of the future and may win one of several prizes. Click here to learn more and to download the Pro-Poor Scenario Toolkit and a set of global forecasts for the year 2039 for use in the scenario development process.
Vulnerability 2030: Scenarios on Vulnerability in the United States
In 2010, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation commissioned IAF to develop a set of scenarios describing the alternative futures of vulnerability and vulnerable populations in the U.S. in the year 2030. The project was part of the Foundation’s Vulnerable Populations Program, which addresses critical connections between health and social circumstances. IAF analyzed and assessed several major driving forces and factors including, but not limited to, the economy and employment, Internet and communications, environment, policy, food and diet, education, and technology. IAF also created a scenario toolkit and videos for organizations to consider the implications of the Vulnerability 2030 Scenarios for their own strategies and operations. Click here for more information.
Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida
The Century Commission, created by the Florida Legislature and appointed by key state leaders, called on the Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF) to identify emerging technologies most important for creating a sustainable future in Florida. IAF focused their report to the Century Commission on the greatest long-term threat to Florida's sustainability: global warming.
PUBLICATIONS
The Future of Microfinance Impact Assessment
Foresight for Smart Globalization: Accelerating & Enhancing Pro-Poor Development Opportunities
With support from the Rockefeller Foundation, IAF convened a workshop of futurists from around the world to explore opportunities for implementing foresight focused on pro-poor solutions in the global South. Click here for the summary report.
Trends Shaping Transportation's Future
This report reviews trends and emerging developments that may shape the future of transportation. It reviews many examples of potential developments, from sharply rising oil prices and trends toward Smart Growth to aging, communication substitutions/inducements for travel, and intelligent vehicles and transportation systems. The report was published in the Journal of Futures Studies (JFS). Click here to view the report.